New reports of pathogen spectrum associated with bulb rot and their interactions during the development of rot in tulip.

Bulb rot, a highly damaging disease of tulip plants, has hindered their profitable cultivation worldwide. This rot occurs in both field and storage conditions posing significant challenges. While this disease has been attributed to a range of pathogens, previous investigations have solely examined it within the framework of a single-pathogen disease model. Our study took a different approach and identified four pathogens associated with the disease: Fusarium solani, Penicillium chrysogenum, Botrytis tulipae, and Aspergillus niger. The primary objective of our research was to examine the impact of co-infections on the overall virulence dynamics of these pathogens. Through co-inoculation experiments on potato dextrose agar, we delineated three primary interaction patterns: antibiosis, deadlock, and merging. In vitro trials involving individual pathogen inoculations on tulip bulbs revealed that B. tulipae,was the most virulent and induced complete bulb decay. Nonetheless, when these pathogens were simultaneously introduced in various combinations, outcomes ranged from partial bulb decay to elongated rotting periods. This indicated a notable degree of antagonistic behaviour among the pathogens. While synergistic interactions were evident in a few combinations, antagonism overwhelmingly prevailed. The complex interplay of these pathogens during co-infection led to a noticeable change in the overall severity of the disease. This underscores the significance of pathogen-pathogen interactions in the realm of plant pathology, opening new insights for understanding and managing tulip bulb rot.

Elicitation of salicylic acid and methyl jasmonate provides molecular and physiological evidence for potato susceptibility to infection by Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora.

Among the range of severe plant diseases, bacterial soft rot caused by Erwinia carotovora is a significant threat to crops. This study aimed to examine the varying response patterns of distinct potato cultivars to the influence of E. carotovora. Furthermore, it seeks to highlight the potential role of salicylic acid (SA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) in stimulating the antioxidant defence system. We collected eight bacterial isolates from diseased and rotted tubers which were morphologically and physiologically identified as E. carotovora subsp. carotovora. We conducted a greenhouse experiment to analyse the antioxidant responses of three different potato cultivars (Diamont, Kara, and Karros) at various time intervals (2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 h) after bacterial infection (hpi). We assessed the extent of disease damage by applying a foliar spray of 0.9 mM salicylic acid (SA) and 70 µM methyl jasmonate (MeJA). Inoculating with Ecc led to an increase in total phenolic levels, as well as the activities and gene expression of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POX) as time progressed. Additionally, the application of SA and MeJA resulted in a further increase relative to the diseased treatments. The Karros cultivar, unlike the Diamont and Kara cultivars, demonstrated the highest expression levels of PAL, PPO and POX through inoculation, reflecting its higher levels of activity and resistance. Furthermore, the genetic response of potato cultivars to infection at 0 hpi varied depending on their susceptibility. The examination of the rate of PAL activity upregulation following SA or MeJA stimulation clarifies the cultivars' susceptibility over time. In conclusion, the study identified E. carotovora subsp. carotovora as the most virulent isolate causing soft rot disease in potato tubers. It further revealed that the Karros cultivar displayed superior resistance with high activities and gene expression of PAL, PPO and POX, while the cv. Diamont exhibited sensitivity. Additionally, foliar exposure to SA and MeJA induced antioxidant responses, enhancing the potato plants' resistance against Ecc pathogenesis and overall plant defence.

Machine learning assisted designing of non-fullerene electron acceptors: A quest for lower exciton binding energy.

The designing of acceptors materials for the organic solar cells is a hot topic. The normal experimental methods are tedious and expensive for large screening. Machine learning guided exploration is more suitable solution. Bagging regression, random forest regression, gradient boosting regression, and linear regression are trained to predict exciton binding energy. Breaking Retrosynthetically Interesting Chemical Substructures (BRICS) methodology has utilized for designing of new non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs). The predicted values were used to select the designed NFAs. On the selected NFAs, clustering and chemical similarity analyses are also performed. Chemical fingerprints are used for this purpose, and the synthetic accessibility score of the new NFAs is also investigated.30 NFAs have selected with low exciton binding energy values. This approach will allow for the rapid screening of NFAs for organic solar cells. Our proposed framework stands out as a valuable tool for strategically selecting the most effective NFAs for organic solar cells and offers a streamlined approach for material discovery.

Potential of melatonin and Trichoderma harzianum inoculation in ameliorating salt toxicity in watermelon: Insights into antioxidant system, leaf ultrastructure, and gene regulation.

Melatonin (MT) is an extensively studied biomolecule with dual functions, serving as an antioxidant and a signaling molecule. Trichoderma Harzianum (TH) is widely recognized for its effectiveness as a biocontrol agent against many plant pathogens. However, the interplay between seed priming and MT (150 µm) in response to NaCl (100 mM) and its interaction with TH have rarely been investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of MT and TH, alone and in combination, to mitigate salt stress (SS) in watermelon plants. The findings of this study revealed a significant decline in the morphological, physiological, and biochemical indices of watermelon seedlings exposed to SS. However, MT and TH treatments reduced the negative impact of salt stress. The combined application of MT and TH exerted a remarkable positive effect by increasing the growth, photosynthetic and gas exchange parameters, chlorophyll fluorescence indices, and ion balance (decreasing Na+ and enhancing K+). MT and TH effectively alleviated oxidative injury by inhibiting hydrogen peroxide formation in saline and non-saline environments, as established by reduced lipid peroxidation and electrolyte leakage. Moreover, oxidative injury induced by SS on the cells was significantly mitigated by regulation of the antioxidant system, AsA-GSH-related enzymes, the glyoxalase system, augmentation of osmolytes, and activation of several genes involved in the defense system. Additionally, the reduction in oxidative damage was examined by chloroplast integrity via transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Overall, the results of this study provide a promising contribution of MT and TH in safeguarding the watermelon crop from oxidative damage induced by salt stress.

Insights into the alleviation of cadmium toxicity in rice by nano-zinc and Serendipita indica: Modulation of stress-responsive gene expression and antioxidant defense system activation.

The adversities of cadmium (Cd) contamination are quite distinguished among other heavy metals (HMs), and so is the efficacy of zinc (Zn) nutrition in mitigating Cd toxicity. Rice (Oryza sativa) crop, known for its ability to absorb HMs, inadvertently facilitates the bioaccumulation of Cd, posing a significant risk to both the plant itself and to humans consuming its edible parts, and damaging the environment as well. The use of nanoparticles, such as nano-zinc oxide (nZnO), to improve the nutritional quality of crops and combat the harmful effects of HMs, have gained substantial attention among scientists and farmers. While previous studies have explored the individual effects of nZnO or Serendipita indica (referred to as S.i) on Cd toxicity, the synergistic action of these two agents has not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, the gift of nature, i.e., S. indica, was incorporated alongside nZnO (50 mg L-1) against Cd stress (15 µM L-1) and their alliance manifested as phenotypic level modifications in two rice genotypes (Heizhan43; Hz43 and Yinni801; Yi801). Antioxidant activities were enhanced, specifically peroxidase (61.5 and 122.5% in Yi801 and Hz43 roots, respectively), leading to a significant decrease in oxidative burst; moreover, Cd translocation was reduced (85% for Yi801 and 65.5% for Hz43 compared to Cd alone treatment). Microstructural study showed a decrease in number of vacuoles and starch granules with ameliorative treatments. Overall, plants treated with nZnO displayed gene expression pattern (particularly of ZIP genes), different from the ones with alone or combined S.i and Cd. Inferentially, the integration of nZnO and S.i holds great promise as an effective strategy for alleviating Cd toxicity in rice plants. By immobilizing Cd ions in the soil and promoting their detoxification, this novel approach contributes to environmental restoration and ensures food safety worldwide.

Mycorrhizosphere bacteria inhibit greenhouse gas emissions from microplastics contaminated soil by regulating soil enzyme activities and microbial community structure.

Microplastics (MPs) accumulation in terrestrial ecosystems can affect greenhouse gases (GHGs) production by altering microbial and soil structure. Presently, research on the MPs effect on plants is not consistent, and underlying molecular mechanisms associated with GHGs are yet unknown. For the first time, we conducted a microcosm study to explore the impact of MPs addition (Raw vs. aged) and Trichoderma longibrachiatum and Bacillus subtilis inoculation (Sole vs. combination) on GHGs emission, soil community structure, physiochemical properties, and enzyme activities. Our results indicated that the addition of aged MPs considerably enhanced the GHGs emissions (N2O (+16%) and CO2 (+21%), respectively), C and N cycling gene expression, microbial biomass carbon, and soil physiochemical properties than raw MPs. However, the soil microbial community structure and enzyme activities were enhanced in raw MPs added treatments, irrespective of the MPs type added to soil. However, microbial inoculation significantly reduced GHGs emission by altering the expression of C and N cycling genes in both types of MPs added treatments. The soil microbial community structure, enzymes activities, physiochemical properties and microbial biomass carbon were enhanced in the presence of microbial inoculation in both type of MPs. Among sole and combined inoculation of Trichoderma and Bacillus subtilis, the co-applied Trichoderma and Bacillus subtilis considerably reduced the GHGs emission (N2O (-64%) and CO2 (-61%), respectively) by altering the expression of C and N cycling genes regardless of MPs type used. The combined inoculation also enhanced soil enzyme activities, microbial community structure, physiochemical properties and microbial biomass carbon in both types of MPs treatment. Our findings provide evidence that polyethylene MPs likely pose a high risk of GHGs emission while combined application of Trichoderma and Bacillus subtilis significantly reduced GHGs emission by altering C and N cycling gene expression, soil microbial community structure, and enzyme activities under MPs pollution in a terrestrial ecosystem.

Interaction of titanium dioxide nanoparticles with PVC-microplastics and chromium counteracts oxidative injuries in Trachyspermum ammi L. by modulating antioxidants and gene expression.

The emergence of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics (MPs) as pollutants in agricultural soils is increasingly alarming, presenting significant toxic threats to soil ecosystems. Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi L.), a plant of significant medicinal and culinary value, is increasingly subjected to environmental stressors that threaten its growth and productivity. This situation is particularly acute given the well-documented toxicity of chromium (Cr), which has been shown to adversely affect plant biomass and escalate risks to the productivity of such economically and therapeutically important species. The present study was conducted to investigate the individual effects of different levels of PVC-MPs (0, 2, and 4 mg L-1) and Cr (0, 150, and 300 mg kg-1) on various aspects of plant growth. Specifically, we examined growth and biomass, photosynthetic pigments, gas exchange attributes, oxidative stress responses, antioxidant compound activity (both enzymatic and nonenzymatic), gene expression, sugar content, nutritional status, organic acid exudation, and Cr accumulation in different parts of Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi L.) seedlings, which were also exposed to varying levels of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) (0, 25, and 50 µg mL-1). Results from the present study showed that the increasing levels of Cr and PVC-MPs in soils significantly decreased plant growth and biomass, photosynthetic pigments, gas exchange attributes, sugars, and nutritional contents from the roots and shoots of the plants. Conversely, increasing levels of Cr and PVC-MPs in the soil increased oxidative stress indicators in term of malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and electrolyte leakage, and also increased organic acid exudation pattern in the roots of T. ammi seedlings. Interestingly, the application of TiO2-NPs counteracted the toxicity of Cr and PVC-MPs in T. ammi seedlings, leading to greater growth and biomass. This protective effect is facilitated by the NPs' ability to sequester reactive oxygen species, thereby reducing oxidative stress and lowering Cr concentrations in both the roots and shoots of the plants. Our research findings indicated that the application of TiO2-NPs has been shown to enhance the resilience of T. ammi seedlings to Cr and PVC-MPs toxicity, leading to not only improved biomass but also a healthier physiological state of the plants. This was demonstrated by a more balanced exudation of organic acids, which is a critical response mechanism to metal stress.

Investigating Mineral Accumulation and Seed Vigor Potential in Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) through Crossbreeding Timing.

Bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) is a well-known cucurbit with an active functional ingredient. A two-year field experiment was carried out at the Research Farm of Seed Science and Technology, CCS HAU, Hisar, in a randomized block design during the Kharif season (Kharif is one of the two major cropping seasons in India and other South Asian countries, heavily reliant on monsoon rains with the other being Rabi) and the summer season. Five different crossing periods (CP), viz. CP1, CP2, CP3, CP4, and CP5, were considered to illustrate the effects of agro-climatic conditions on the quality and biochemical components of two bottle gourd parental lines and one hybrid, HBGH-35. The average mean temperature for the Kharif season in 2017 was 31.7 °C, and for the summer season, it was 40.1 °C. Flowers were tagged weekly from the start of the crossing period until the end and harvested separately at different times. The fruits harvested from different crossing periods under different environmental conditions influenced the bottle gourd's qualitative and biochemical traits and showed significant variations among the five crossing period environments. A positive significance and correlation were observed between weather variables and different biochemical characteristics. Henceforth, the CP4 crossing period at a temperature of 31.7 °C retained high-quality seed development, which may be essential in enhancing agricultural productivity and the national economy.

Decoding the Multifaceted Potential of Artemisia monosperma: Comprehensive Insights into Allelopathy, Antimicrobial Activity, and Phytochemical Profile for Sustainable Agriculture.

Weeds present a significant hazard to crop production, necessitating the development of effective and sustainable strategies for weed management. Although synthetic herbicides are effective, concerns about their environmental and health impact have been raised. This study investigates the allelopathic potential, antimicrobial activity, and phytochemical profile of Artemisia monosperma. Extracts from A. monosperma proficiently impede the growth of Chenopodium murale and Amaranthus viridis, while exhibiting varying effects on crops Solanum lycopersicum and Cucumis sativus. Leaf and seed extracts demonstrate the most significant inhibition of weed growth. Interestingly, the leaf extract at a concentration of 50% inhibited weed growth in pot experiments without affecting crop growth. Moreover, extracts from A. monosperma exhibit noteworthy antifungal and antibacterial activity, with the root extract demonstrating the strongest inhibition. The root extract inhibited the mycelial growth of Colletotrichum musae by 63% as compared to control. The leaf extract exhibited the highest levels of phenolic acids, in particular gallic acid, amounting to 116.30 ppm. This study emphasizes the multifaceted potential of A. monosperma as a sustainable solution for weed management and proposes its use in crop protection. Further investigation of its practical applications and optimization of extraction methods can aid in its integration into contemporary agricultural systems, promoting both crop yield and environmental sustainability.

Unveiling Lathyrus aphaca L. as a Newly Identified Host for Begomovirus Infection: A Comprehensive Study.

The Begomovirus genus of the family Geminiviridae comprises the largest group of geminiviruses. Begomoviruses are transmitted by the whitefly complex (Bemisia tabaci) and infect dicotyledonous plants in tropical and subtropical regions. The list of begomoviruses is continuously increasing as a result of improvements in the methods for identification, especially from weed plants, which are considered a source of new viruses and reservoirs of economically important viruses but are often neglected during diversity studies. Lathyrus aphaca L. weed plants (yellow-flowered pea) with varicose veins and discoloration of the leaves were found. Amplified genomic DNA through rolling circular amplification was subjected to PCR analysis for the detection of the viral genome and associated DNA-satellites (alphasatellites and betasatellites). A full-length sequence (2.8 kb) of a monopartite begomovirus clone was determined; however, we could not find any associated DNA satellites. The amplified full-length clone of Rose leaf curl virus (RoLCuV) reserved all the characteristics and features of an Old World (OW) monopartite begomovirus. Furthermore, it is the first time it has been reported from a new weed host, yellow-flowered pea. Rolling circle amplification and polymerase chain reaction analysis of associated DNA satellites, alphasatellite, and betasatellite, were frequently accomplished but unable to amplify from the begomovirus-infected samples, indicating the presence of only monopartite Old World begomovirus. It is observed that RoLCuV has the capability to infect different hosts individually without the assistance of any DNA satellite component. Recombination in viruses is also a source of begomovirus infection in different hosts.

Synergistic Influence of Yeast Extract and Calcium Oxide Nanoparticles on the Synthesis of Bioactive Antioxidants and Metabolites in Swertia chirata In Vitro Callus Cultures.

The challenges in the production of metabolites of medicinal potential from wild plants include low yields, slow growth rates, seasonal variations, genetic variability and regulatory as well as ethical constraints. Overcoming these challenges is of paramount significance and interdisciplinary approaches and innovative strategies are prevalently applied to optimize phytoconstituents' production, enhance yield, biomass, ensure sustainable consistency and scalability. In this study, we investigated the effects of elicitation with yeast extract and calcium oxide nanoparticles (CaONPs) on in vitro cultures of Swertia chirata (Roxb. ex Fleming) Karsten. Specifically, we examined the effects of different concentrations of CaONPs in combination with different concentrations of yeast extract on various parameters related to callus growth, antioxidant activity, biomass and phytochemical contents. Our results showed that elicitation with yeast extract and CaONPs had significant effects on the growth and characteristics of callus cultures of S. chirata. The treatments involving yeast extract and CaONPs were found to be the most effective in increasing the contents of total flavonoid contents (TFC), total phenolic contents (TPC), amarogentin and mangiferin. These treatments also led to an improvement in the contents of total anthocyanin and alpha tocopherols. Additionally, the DPPH scavenging activity was significantly increased in the treated samples. Furthermore, the treatments involving elicitation with yeast extract and CaONPs also led to significant improvements in callus growth and characteristics. These treatments promoted callus response from an average to an excellent level and improved the color and nature of the callus from yellow to yellow-brown and greenish and from fragile to compact, respectively. The best response was observed in treatments involving 0.20 g/L yeast extract and 90 ug/L CaONPs. Overall, our findings suggest that elicitation with yeast extract and CaONPs can be a useful strategy for promoting the growth, biomass, phytochemical contents and antioxidant activity of callus cultures of S. chirata in comparison to wild plant herbal drug samples.

Wild and ruderal plants as bioindicators of global urban pollution by air, water and soil in Riyadh and Abha, Saudi Arabia.

Recently, environment pollution around the globe has increased because of anthropogenic activities. As part of the biota, plants can assimilate the compounds present in air, water and soil and respond to changes in surround conditions, for that, they can be used as bioindicators of global pollution. However, urban plants' ability to monitor organic pollutants in air, soil, and water have not been profoundly studied yet. Anthropogenic contamination produced by five different types of pollutants [polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), pesticides and organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs)] has been studied in Riyadh and Abha areas (Saudi Arabia). In addition to the points in both cities, a control point located in the Asir National Park (close to Abha), which is little affected by human activity, was used. The 5 groups of contaminants were found with different but high detection frequencies from 85 % to 100 % in wild and ruderal plants. PAHs were detected in all the analyzed samples at the highest average sum of concentrations (ΣPAHs) 1486 ng·g-1 dry weight (d.w.). Statistically significant differences were obtained between Riyadh, Abha and the point located in the national park (p < 0.05). ΣPAHS in Riyadh >> ΣPAHs in Abha > ΣPAHs in the National Park. Values of the average sum of concentrations for the other groups of contaminants ΣPPCPs, ΣPFASs, Σpesticides and ΣOPFRs were 420.5, 171, 48 and 47 ng g-1 d.w., respectively. High values of PPCPs are due to the presence of salicylic acid. Differences in the average sum of each type of contaminant concentrations between cities were not statistically significant. The results of this assessment of wild and ruderal plants as bioindicators for 5 types of organic contaminants suggest that they can be used to monitor anthropogenic contaminants in the terrestrial environment.

Biogenic Synthesis of Multifunctional Silver Oxide Nanoparticles (Ag2ONPs) Using Parieteria alsinaefolia Delile Aqueous Extract and Assessment of Their Diverse Biological Applications.

Green nanotechnology has made the synthesis of nanoparticles a possible approach. Nanotechnology has a significant impact on several scientific domains and has diverse applications in different commercial areas. The current study aimed to develop a novel and green approach for the biosynthesis of silver oxide nanoparticles (Ag2ONPs) utilizing Parieteria alsinaefolia leaves extract as a reducing, stabilizing and capping agent. The change in color of the reaction mixture from light brown to reddish black determines the synthesis of Ag2ONPs. Further, different techniques were used to confirm the synthesis of Ag2ONPs, including UV-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), zeta potential and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analyses. The Scherrer equation determined a mean crystallite size of ~22.23 nm for Ag2ONPs. Additionally, different in vitro biological activities have been investigated and determined significant therapeutic potentials. Radical scavenging DPPH assay (79.4%), reducing power assay (62.68 ± 1.77%) and total antioxidant capacity (87.5 ± 4.8%) were evaluated to assess the antioxidative potential of Ag2ONPs. The disc diffusion method was adopted to evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal potentials of Ag2ONPs using different concentrations (125-1000 µg/mL). Moreover, the brine shrimp cytotoxicity assay was investigated and the LC50 value was calculated as 2.21 µg/mL. The biocompatibility assay using red blood cells (<200 µg/mL) confirmed the biosafe and biocompatible nature of Ag2ONPs. Alpha-amylase inhibition assay was performed and reported 66% inhibition. In conclusion, currently synthesized Ag2ONPs have exhibited strong biological potential and proved as an attractive eco-friendly candidate. In the future, this preliminary research work will be a helpful source and will open new avenues in diverse fields, including the pharmaceutical, biomedical and pharmacological sectors.

Oscillatoria limnetica Mediated Green Synthesis of Iron Oxide (Fe2O3) Nanoparticles and Their Diverse In Vitro Bioactivities.

Iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3-NPs) were synthesized using Oscillatoria limnetica extract as strong reducing and capping agents. The synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles IONPs were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffractive analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). IONPs synthesis was confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy by observing the peak at 471 nm. Furthermore, different in vitro biological assays, which showed important therapeutic potentials, were performed. Antimicrobial assay of biosynthesized IONPs was performed against four different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. E. coli was found to be the least suspected strain (MIC: 35 µg/mL), and B. subtilis was found to be the most suspected strain (MIC: 14 µg/mL). The maximum antifungal assay was observed for Aspergillus versicolor (MIC: 27 µg mL). The cytotoxic assay of IONPs was also studied using a brine shrimp cytotoxicity assay, and LD50 value was reported as 47 µg/mL. In toxicological evaluation, IONPs was found to be biologically compatible to human RBCs (IC50: >200 µg/mL). The antioxidant assay, DPPH 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyly was recorded at 73% for IONPs. In conclusion, IONPs revealed great biological potential and can be further recommended for in vitro and in vivo therapeutic purposes.

Unraveling the Variability of Essential Oil Composition in Different Accessions of Bunium persicum Collected from Different Temperate Micro-Climates.

The present investigation was performed to evaluate the variability of the essential oil composition present in the seed extract of Kala zeera (Bunium persicum Bioss.) obtained from different geographical zones of Northwestern-Himalayan using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrum (GC-MS). The results of the GC-MS analysis revealed significant differences in the essential oil content. Significant variability was observed in the chemical constituents of the essential oils mainly for p-cymene, D-limonene, Gamma-terpinene, Cumic aldehyde and 1, 4-p-menthadien-7-al. Among these compounds, the highest average percentage across the locations was observed for gamma-terpinene (32.08%) which was followed by cumic aldehyde (25.07%), and 1, 4-p-menthadien-7-al (15.45%). Principal component analysis (PCA) also grouped the 4 highly significant compounds i.e., p-Cymene, Gamma-Terpinene, Cumic aldehyde, and 1,4-p-Menthadien-7-al into same cluster which are mainly distributed in Shalimar Kalazeera-1, and Atholi Kishtwar zones. The highest value of gamma-terpinene was recorded in Atholi accession (40.66%). However, among climatic zones Zabarwan Srinagar and Shalimar Kalazeera-1 was found to have highly positive significant correlation (0.99). The cophenetic correlation coefficient (c) was found to be 0.8334 during hierarchical clustering for 12 essential oil compounds showing that our results are highly correlated. Network analysis also showed the overlapping pattern and similar interaction between the 12 compounds as shown by hierarchical clustering analysis. From the results, it could be concluded that existence of variability among the various bioactive compounds of B. persicum which are probably to be incorporated to the potential list of drugs and may serve as good genetic source for various modern breeding programs.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles mediated biostimulant impact on cadmium detoxification and in silico analysis of zinc oxide-cadmium networks in Zea mays L. regulome.

Cadmium (Cd) toxicity can significantly limit plant growth and development. To eliminate the toxic effects of Cd stress, we intended to evaluate the biochemical mediated physiological responses in maize treated with biostimulant and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnPs). In silico analysis exhibited that the maize treated with Cd stress (200 µM) had an adverse impact on CAT1, CAT2, CAT3 and gor1 proteins, which are influential in managing the machinery of redox homeostasis. While maize inoculated with bacteria-based biostimulant and ZnPs (10 ppm) showed prominently improved biomass, chlorophyll a, b and carotenoid content. We found a significant increase in the total sugar, protein, proline content and antioxidants under the effect of Cd stress. However, these parameters are further enhanced by applying biostimulants and ZnPs. Declined lipid peroxidation and membrane solubilization index under the effect of biostimulant and ZnPs was observed. Furthermore, these treatments improved maize's zinc, copper, sodium, magnesium, iron, potassium and calcium content. Based on these results, an antagonistic relationship between Zn and Cd uptake that triggered efficient Cd detoxification in maize shoot was found. Scanning electron micrography showed distorted leaf structure of the Cd stressed plants while the biostimulant and ZnPs reduced the structural cell damage of maize leaves. In silico study showed that ZnO positively regulates all protein interactors, including GRMZM2G317386_P01 (Metallo endo proteinase 1-MMP), GRMZM2G110220_P01 (Metallo endo proteinase 5-MMP), GRMZM2G103055_P01 (Alpha-amylase) and GRMZM2G006069_P01 (Zn-dependent exo peptidase superfamily) proteins which are involved in energy generating processes, channels formation, matrix re-localization and stress response. This suggests that ZnO offers an ideal role with protein interactors in maize. Our findings depict that these treatments, i.e., biostimulant and ZnPs alone, are efficient enough to exhibit Cd remediation potential in maize; however, their combination showed synergistic effects.

Interactive adverse effects of low-density polyethylene microplastics on marine microalga Chaetoceros calcitrans.

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is broadly utilized worldwide, increasing more dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the majority ends up in the aquatic environment as microplastics. The influence of polyethylene microplastics (LDPE-MPs) on aquatic ecosystems still needs further investigation, especially on microalgae as typical organisms represented in all aquatic systems and at the base of the trophic chain. Thereby, the biological and toxicity impacts of LDPE-MPs on Chaetoceros calcitrans were examined in this work. The results revealed that LDPE-MPs had a concentration-dependent adverse effect on the growth and performance of C. calcitrans. LDPE-MPs contributed the maximum inhibition rates of 85%, 51.3%, 21.49% and 16.13% on algal growth chlorophyll content, φPSII and Fv/Fm, respectively. The total protein content, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) activities were significantly increased at 25 mg L-1 LDPE-MPs by 1.37, 3.52, 2.75 and 1.84 folds higher than those of the controls to sustain the adverse effects of LDPE-MPs. Extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) and monosaccharides contents of C. calcitrans were improved under low concentration of LDPE-MPs, which could facilitate the adsorption of MPs particles on the microalgae cell wall. This adsorption caused significant physical damage to the algal cell structure, as observed by SEM. These results suggest that the ecological footprint of MPs may require more attention, particularly due to the continuing breakdown of plastics in the ecosystem.

Effect of Salinity and Plant Growth Promoters on Secondary Metabolism and Growth of Milk Thistle Ecotypes.

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.)) is a wild medicinal herbal plant that is widely used in folk medicine due to its high content of secondary metabolites (SMs) and silymarin; however, the data regarding the response of milk thistle to salinity are still scarce and scanty. The present study evaluated the effect of salinity on a geographically diverse population of milk thistle and on the role of medium supplementation (MS) with ascorbic acid, thiourea, and moringa leaf extract in improving the SMs and growth-related attributes under salinity stress (SS). For germination, a 120 mM level of salinity was applied in the soil during the seedling stage. After salinity development, predetermined levels of the following compounds were used for MS: thiourea (250 µM), moringa leaf extract (3%), and ascorbic acid (500 µM). The data regarding growth attributes showed that SS impaired plant growth and development and increased SM production, including alkaloids, anthocyanin, and saponins. Moreover, ascorbic acid, followed by moringa leaf extract, was the most effective in improving growth by virtue of increased SMs, especially under salt stress conditions. The present study demonstrated that milk thistle could withstand moderate doses of SS, while MS improved all the growth parameters by increasing the accumulation of SMs.

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analyses of the Chitinase Gene Family in Response to White Mold and Drought Stress in Soybean (Glycine max).

Chitinases are enzymes catalyzing the hydrolysis of chitin that are present on the cell wall of fungal pathogens. Here, we identified and characterized the chitinase gene family in cultivated soybean (Glycine max L.) across the whole genome. A total of 38 chitinase genes were identified in the whole genome of soybean. Phylogenetic analysis of these chitinases classified them into five separate clusters, I-V. From a broader view, the I-V classes of chitinases are basically divided into two mega-groups (X and Y), and these two big groups have evolved independently. In addition, the chitinases were unevenly and randomly distributed in 17 of the total 20 chromosomes of soybean, and the majority of these chitinase genes contained few introns (≤2). Synteny and duplication analysis showed the major role of tandem duplication in the expansion of the chitinase gene family in soybean. Promoter analysis identified multiple cis-regulatory elements involved in the biotic and abiotic stress response in the upstream regions (1.5 kb) of chitinase genes. Furthermore, qRT-PCR analysis showed that pathogenic and drought stress treatment significantly induces the up-regulation of chitinase genes belonging to specific classes at different time intervals, which further verifies their function in the plant stress response. Hence, both in silico and qRT-PCR analysis revealed the important role of the chitinases in multiple plant defense responses. However, there is a need for extensive research efforts to elucidate the detailed function of chitinase in various plant stresses. In conclusion, our investigation is a detailed and systematic report of whole genome characterization of the chitinase family in soybean.

The participation of nitric oxide in hydrogen sulphide-mediated chromium tolerance in pepper (Capsicum annuum L) plants by modulating subcellular distribution of chromium and the ascorbate-glutathione cycle.

The promising response of chromium-stressed (Cr(VI)-S) plants to hydrogen sulphide (H2S) has been observed, but the participation of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in H2S-induced Cr(VI)-S tolerance in plants remains to be elucidated. It was aimed to assess the participation of NO in H2S-mediated Cr(VI)-S tolerance by modulating subcellular distribution of Cr and the ascorbate-glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle in the pepper seedlings. Two weeks following germination, plants were exposed to control (no Cr) or Cr(VI)-S (50 µM K2Cr2O7) for further two weeks. The Cr(VI)-S-plants grown in nutrient solution were supplied with 200 µM sodium hydrosulphide (NaHS, donor of H2S), or NaHS plus 100 µM sodium nitroprusside (SNP, a donor of NO). Chromium stress suppressed plant growth and leaf water status, while elevated proline content, oxidative stress, and the activities of AsA-GSH related enzymes, as well as endogenous H2S and NO contents. The supplementation of NaHS increased Cr accumulation at root cell walls and vacuoles of leaves as soluble fraction to reduce its toxicity. Furthermore it limited oxidative stress, improved plant growth, modulated leaf water status, and the AsA-GSH cycle-associated enzymes' activities, as well as it further improved H2S and NO contents. The positive effect of NaHS was found to be augmented on those parameters in the CrS-plants by the SNP supplementation. However, 0.1 mM cPTIO, the scavenger of NO, inverted the prominent effect of NaHS by decreasing NO content. The supplementation of SNP along with NaHS + cPTIO reinstalled the positive effect of NaHS by restoring NO content, which suggested that NO might have a potential role in H2S-induced tolerance to Cr(VI)-S in pepper plants by stepping up the AsA-GSH cycle.